For all handgun newbies - here's how I invested $1200+ to get into sport/defense

[triplebike]

Nice start - keep going How do you like the Cougar? I was tempted to buy a Beretta Cougar in .45acp, but passed since I have no experience with the gun and would want to shoot one of those rotating lockup pistols before buying one.

I say you should buy whatever you want, and whatever you can afford. As many people and their collections on this board can attest, not every gun is purchased with the intent of using it for personal or home defense. Many are purchased with no intent at all, other then the owner just wanted it. I have a single 1911 in my small collection. While it would make a great SD or HD weapon, it lives in the safe in between range trips. I already had several guns to fill the personal defense role - I only have a 1911 because I wanted one, and if I was to have only one, it was to be a Colt (1991a1 stainless combat commander).

And your security six is one I'm sure you'll keep forever. I have a pair of stainless service sixes (4" and 3"), and I cannot see myself ever parting with either - they are truly that good a wheel gun, IMO.

Happy shooting.

I really feel (as I put on my flame suit) that The Stoeger Couger 9MM is the BEST value today for a compact 9MM semi auto. From day one it has been flawless. (well over 700 rds) It shoots whatever I feed it & has never failed to operate perfectly. It fits me like a glove, has very little recoil, is more accurate than I am, a real joy to shoot & a breeze to take down & clean. I don't think I've ever read a bad review on it. I would put it next to any gun out there at twice the price. If it fits your criteria, check it out.

Oh by the way;
Stoeger Industries is pleased to announce the .45 ACP caliber has been added to the Cougar-series of double-action, ...
31704 .45 ACP Brunition® Matte black 32 oz. 8+1 $499

http://www.ammoland.com/2010/01/24/stoeger-cougar-pistol-45-acp/

 

[triplebike]

Nice start - keep going How do you like the Cougar? I was tempted to buy a Beretta Cougar in .45acp, but passed since I have no experience with the gun and would want to shoot one of those rotating lockup pistols before buying one.

I say you should buy whatever you want, and whatever you can afford. As many people and their collections on this board can attest, not every gun is purchased with the intent of using it for personal or home defense. Many are purchased with no intent at all, other then the owner just wanted it. I have a single 1911 in my small collection. While it would make a great SD or HD weapon, it lives in the safe in between range trips. I already had several guns to fill the personal defense role - I only have a 1911 because I wanted one, and if I was to have only one, it was to be a Colt (1991a1 stainless combat commander).

And your security six is one I'm sure you'll keep forever. I have a pair of stainless service sixes (4" and 3"), and I cannot see myself ever parting with either - they are truly that good a wheel gun, IMO.

Happy shooting.

I really feel (as I put on my flame suit) that The Stoeger Couger 9MM is the BEST value today for a compact 9MM semi auto. From day one it has been flawless. ( 1000 rds) It shoots whatever I feed it & has never failed to operate perfectly. It fits me like a glove, has very little recoil, is more accurate than I am, a real joy to shoot & a breeze to take down & clean. I don't think I've ever read a bad review on it. I would put it next to any gun out there at twice the price. If it fits your criteria, check it out.

 

[buck460XVR]

triplebike...I think you've done well. You've gotten a good start in handgunning for a reasonable amount of money. You've got a damn nice start on a personnel collection for only $1250. You've gone to school(training) and done your homework(shooting). What you choose for tools is up to you. If there was one gun that was the best for everybody, there'd be only one. Have fun, enjoy yourself and shoot safe.

 

[goon]

One thing you don't want to do is buy any cap and ball revolvers.
They are so beautiful you'll feel a pressing need to keep them on the coffee table just so you can look at them. This will freak out visitors to your home but you'll be too overcome with awe to care. Furthermore, as soon as you let off a round from one at the range a crowd will form around you and proceed to ask you a multitude of questions about it. Be prepared to give a history lesson - I suggest you study first. In addition, you'll also find that after several minutes of loading one, you'll inevitably have to allow a bystander to fire a couple of your hard earned shots.

So my advice is you just avoid the damned things altogether...

 

[md7]

very nice collection you got started triplebike!

a good .22 auto, 9mm, and 4" .357 are must haves in a well rounded collection (at least i think so )

i think you did well quality wise too. CZ 75, Ruger six, and Browning are all well made, reliable handguns. i don't know much about the stoeger, but you excercised sound judgement on the others so if you say it's good, then I believe you buddy.

only things i can think of that you might add would be a .45 ACP, and a designated CCW. maybe a S&W 642 or a smaller auto?

ya done good!